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NEWS

News Editor: Jessica Truby – J.L.Truby@iup.edu Lead News Writer: Emily Loose – E.D.Loose@iup.edu

Migrant workers of Indiana share their experiences EMILY LOOSE

Lead News Writer E.D.Loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

In Pennsylvania, immigrants make up almost 7 percent of the population. In addition, they make up 8 percent of the workforce, but most are underpaid and abused.

These were statistics given Monday by economics professor Brandon Vick at the final Six O’Clock Series event of the year, “Migrant Workers: Indiana County and Beyond,” which focused on the growing topic of immigrants and working in America. It featured a panel of professors and attorneys.

The event was co-sponsored by the Refugee Working Group. Because of the sensitive discussion, it was requested that no video or audio recordings were taken.

The panel touched on the abuse that migrant workers face through employers and through labor trafficking in its discussions.

Vanessa Griffiths is an immigration attorney for Justice at Work who specializes in migrant housing.

Her company researches the registered sites and visits them at night to see if the workers are being treated well. If the living conditions are in violation, they talk to the workers to let them know their rights and that there are federal statutes that will protect them from going home.

She said that migrant workers face a lot of abuse and unfair treatment due to their status.

They do not report the conditions out of fear that they will be sent back home.

“We have seen very nice places, but we have also seen places where the workers sleep on floors with broken windows,” she said.

Larae Kroons is another attorney at Justice at Work, but her specialty is labor trafficking in

News

(Katie Jo Campbell/ The Penn) The final Six O’Clock Series event of the year focused on the growing topic of immigrants and working in America that featured a panel of professors and attorneys.

Western Pennsylvania.

Though there are various visas and programs that workers can go through, Kroons focused on the H2 program, which provides work for immigrants in areas where American citizens are not available to work. This process takes time.

“Employers need to prove that they tried to hire American workers before they can register to have migrant employees,” she said.

When given the approval, the workers then can work only for that particular employer, due to

issues in labor trafficking.

She said that though the program does a lot of good, it is easily manipulated because of the imbalance of power, employees sometimes committing fraud and often paying workers less than they earned.

“A lot of these workers do not understand their rights,” Kroons said. “They think they are stuck and do not think they can leave.”

She reaffirmed the statutes mentioned by Griffith, which entitle workers to stay and have a new job.

Because of the political climate

April 26, 2019

on immigration, there were questions from the audience regarding workers and how they affect Americans. The panel said that despite the many misconceptions regarding migrant workers, they provide benefits for the country.

Hilario Molina, assistant professor in the sociology department, said that migrant workers contribute more than they are given credit for.

“The rural areas in Pennsylvania are aging,” he said. “Young people are leaving, which means businesses are following. Migrant workers help fill in the age gaps.”

Molina said the workers also help make communities more diverse, which in turn makes the communities work on a global and social level.

“It not only benefits those who want to leave and those who want to work, but also the infrastructure,” he said.

The event also gave mention to the Syrian American Medical Society fundraiser, which will take place Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church. The fundraiser will provide help and benefit to the crises in Syria.

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April 26, 2019

News

Chancellor talks funding during second IUP visit ABE ESHELMAN

Staff Writer A.Eshelman@iup.edu @DukeOfKalos

Change is something often promised by politicians as they tour around the areas they’ve come into jurisdiction of, along with other promises of improvement and stability.

On Tuesday, Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Dan Greenstein visited IUP, as he has done in the past on more than one occasion, to host an open panel on his plans for system-wide changes, which he refers to as “a sharing system.”

He opened with a short video displaying information on the technological advancements and innovation opportunities made in recent years. He followed this with talk of hope and change, paired with sobering statistics on “lagging public funding” and the “increase in contributions by and costs to students, and less from the state, which has also led to enrollment reductions.”

However, Greenstein then

(Facebook) On Tuesday, Chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Dan Greenstein visited IUP to discuss his plans for system-wide changes.

transitioned into a more optimistic outlook, starting with the reminder that there is a “growing adult-student enrollment market” that IUP

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should be tapping into.

The big announcement, however, was that he was aware of complaints staff members have made

about the way PASSHE is run.

“I hear employees demanding we stop competing with each other, stop doing the same wrong things 14 times and stop letting bureaucracy get in the way of things,” he said.

Greenstein’s solution for the competitive, unfriendly and restrictive nature of the current system, is to “become a sharing system.”

“A sharing system places students at the center of everything it does.”

Greenstein gave examples of opportunities that the sharing system would provide, making a “world where a student can access what they need from any campus on any campus” or a world where colleges are “able to offer students courses that colleges struggle to find professors and programs for, like foreign languages and philosophy.”

The sharing system is a more connected network of all the schools in the PASSHE system, in which the schools work together, pool resources and have more direct contact with each other and leadership in Harrisburg.

Greenstein told the audience

that Harrisburg lacks the time, power or interest to dominate or micromanage the schools, so autonomy and independence will still be present in the new system.

Ideas were given as examples of the new opportunities and benefits of the new system, such as “virtual reality, online class options and new programs,” or even more staff- and leadership-oriented promises like rewarding managers and leaders based on the success of the staff under them.

In the coming months, new plans will be worked on and refined so that further update can be given, including increased communication and the formation of task forces/teams focusing on the academic success of students, the success of each university, the success and wellness of students and a consultancy team for shared services between campuses.

In reference to the shortcomings and complaints against his predecessor for his outlook on PASSHE’s future, Greenstein ended his presentation by saying that “the sky is falling, but there’s also opportunity.”

Police Blotter Drug Violations • Desiree Rivera, 20, of Philadelphia was charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana at 4:56 p.m. April 22, in the 100 block of S. Seventh Street, according to the Indiana Borough Police.

• Cole Brown, 18, of Indiana was charged with DUI, possession of a small amount of marijuana and

summary motor vehicle violations at 1:37 a.m. April 20, in the 500 block of School Street, according to borough police.

Criminal Mischief • An unknown person damaged a tan Ford Explorer sometime between 11 p.m. April 16 and 3:10 p.m.

April 17 in the 400 block of Philadelphia Street, according to borough police.

Trespass • An unknown person, who was believed to be intoxicated, described as a white male, 20s, with a short

military buzz cut, wearing a grey shirt and jeans, entered a resident’s home and came into his bedroom while sleeping and left without incident at 2:20 a.m. April 24 in the 400 block of Water Street, according to borough police. Anyone with information should contact borough police at (724)-349-2121.

April 26, 2019

News

5

President Driscoll holds listening tour AMIRA SMALL

Contributing Writer A.S.Small@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

President Michael Driscoll held a 50-minute discussion Wednesday in Sutton Hall to discuss with members of the IUP community how the university can meet its mission without hurting students along the way.

It was also an opportunity for students and faculty to tell the administration what hinders their good work and to give advice on how the university can move forward.

Driscoll first started by explaining the impact IUP has on graduates.

“Every year, the Career and Professional Development Center does a survey of recent graduates about life after graduation,” he said. “The results from 2017 recently came in, and 95 percent of recent graduates are productive. They are all working, in grad school or in the military, and 81 percent are working in their field of choice.”

Everyone in the room was offered a chance to speak, with about 40 people present.

Yaw Asamoah, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, asked Driscoll

Farzaneh Jahangiri, who received her master’s degree at IUP and is now obtaining her doctorate, raised a question about being recognized as a full-time student. She is also an international student, working in a graduate assistantship.

International students are required to maintain full-time student status.

The Office of International Education recognizes international students as full-time if they maintain 18 credits during the academic year, but the School of Graduate Studies doesn’t recognize them as full-time students.

“It would be nice if the graduate school would consider us as full-time students as long as we maintain 18 credits during the whole academic year,” Jahangiri said. “We would have time to

dedicate more to IUP, instead of going through some unnecessary challenges.”

“We’ll mark that down, and we’ll have a discussion about that, so thanks for raising that,” Driscoll responded.

Driscoll continued by explaining that the State System chancellor would like to work on the challenge of affordability for students.

“I think he’s hoping by the time we get to our October board meeting, to have some of those things in place so we can talk about them,” Driscoll said.

Driscoll also said that there will be a few more listening tours before the end of the semester, and they will be continued in the fall, as well as some scheduled for the summer for students and faculty who will be at IUP in the summer.

“It would be nice

if the graduate school would consider us as

full-time students”

(Submitted Photo) President Michael Driscoll held a public 50-minute discussion Wednesday in Sutton Hall.

to confirm if IUP, one of the larger universities in the State System, is subsidizing other universities.

Driscoll confirmed that IUP in fact does subsidize (support financially) some other institutions like Cheney University.

“A few years ago, the board agreed to loan Cheney University

$30 million with some ability to forgive some of those loans under some conditions,” Driscoll said.

Pennsylvania ranks 48th in the country in terms of state support per student in higher education.

International students raised concerns about their student visa requirements being fulfilled.

~Farzaneh Jahangiri Doctorate

Trump immigration policies affecting local lives JASMINE DEAKINGS Contributing Writer J.D.Deakings@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

President Donald Trump has made reshaping the United States immigration policies a top priority since he announced his plans to run for president in 2015. His immigration policy is centered around six major areas: the completion of the border wall for Mexico, the deportation of immigrants, the restriction of travel and work visas, the increasing screening of refugees, the H-1B visa program and the curbing of legal immigration.

Many of Trump’s policies affect immigrant families. Some parents are forced to take on the roles as a mother and a father due to their spouses being deported.

Abimbola Oyemade, an alien resident, is currently going through the immigration process for her husband to obtain a visa to enter the U.S. to be reunited with his family. Alien residents are

(Submitted photo) Gabrielle Davis, Pittsburgh community activist, was unable to see her grandmother for three years.

foreign people who are permanent residents of the country they reside in but do not have citizen-

ship.

“I have been trying to get my husband to the United States for a little over two years now,” Oyemade said. “I have two children, one who I recently gave birth to three months ago. Without my husband here, between caring for my children and work, I barely get any sleep. I am constantly exhausted.”

One of the most frustrating aspects for immigrant families is the amount of time it takes to get approved, Oyemade said.

“It took them 19 months to approve my petition and seven months to process the other paperwork they asked for,” she said.

“I recently had an interview, and they still wanted more papers. I wish they would’ve told me before the interview, so I could’ve gotten them ready. Now, I don’t know when I’ll get another interview.”

According to immigrant advocacy groups, Trump’s travel ban affects more than 135 million people. Community activist Gabri-

elle Jones stated that she had to wait almost three years to see her grandmother due to Trump’s policy. She believes that the policy is ultimately detrimental.

“Trump’s immigration policy will have long-lasting deep effects,”Davis said. “He is making it hard for people to escape countries and places where they can be killed for being themselves with his travel ban. The policy is not very reflective of the, so called, land of the free.”

The Trump administration also focuses on limiting who can apply for asylum, a legal process in which people fleeing persecution in their home country may seek safety in the U.S. According to requirements ruled by the U.N. Convention on Refugees in 1951, and adopted by the U.S., applicants for asylum must meet three requirements: prove they have a “reasonable fear” of being persecuted in their home country, fear persecution because of race, political opinion

or religion and prove their government’s involvement or lack of control in the persecution.

At the beginning of 2018, the administration introduced more strict guidelines for passing the credible fear interview. When immigrants request asylum, they are first given a credible fear test.

According to news reports, a clause in the new interpretation of credible fear was changed to consider the “demeanor, candor and responsiveness” in applicants.

Immigration lawyers have told VOA News that trauma and difference in culture in addition to the journey from their home country to the U.S. can cause fear.

“I think the policy is very unfair,” said Sarah Wheeler, director of the IUP master’s degree in public affairs. “It is not allowing people who want to apply for asylum to easily do that. He’s just making things very difficult for people who’ve had a hard life and now want to seek some kind of sanctuary.”

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April 26, 2019

News

SGA guests discuss student retention JEREMY STOUT

Staff Writer J.W.Stout2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

The Student Government Association (SGA) meeting this week featured the co-chairs of the University-Wide Retention and Persistence Committee (UWRPC), Michele Norwood and Paula Stossel, providing an update on what UWRPC has been doing to increase student retention.

One of the main topics discussed during the report was the ability to get students who live in the eastern part of Pennsylvania home more frequently.

“The majority of second year students that we lose are east of Dauphin County, which is Harrisburg, so if I can’t get you home on a regular basis…I’ve lost you,” Norwood said.

SGA President David Laughead (political science), who is from outside Philadelphia, brought up the idea of the university possibly partnering with IndiGo to have a bus go to the Johnstown

(Crimson Connect) SGA President David Laughead (political science) suggested the idea of the university possibly partnering with IndiGo to have a bus go to the Johnstown Amtrak station on a weekly basis.

Amtrak station on a weekly basis for students to get home more frequently.

Norwood said that she had not thought of the Johnstown station but will investigate it as a possibility in the future.

Tying into the retention of students in the eastern part of the state is students feeling homesick and not knowing anybody from their hometowns on campus.

While UWRPC hasn’t implemented the program yet, as data is

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still being collected, Stossel said it is looking into connecting incoming freshmen with peer mentors from their areas who can help with their feelings of homesickness.

This would build on UWRPC’s larger intuitive of expanding the presence of peer mentors to incoming freshmen.

The process to develop a “baseline course” for all peer mentoring groups across campus, which will allow for the university’s peer mentoring practices to become nationally certified, is underway. Stossel and Norwood both said that peer mentoring is not something they are expanding for just incoming freshman but any student at the university.

Overall mental health was also a large area of concern that UWRPC identified for students.

“We know that there are some significant challenges and significant needs,” Stossel said.

One area the university is looking to address is the waitlists at the counseling center.

There has also been the recognition of increased parental engagement.

“For some of you, that’s a good thing, and for others, you’re going ‘umm, I’m not so sure about that,’” Stossel said.

Stossel said they are very aware of privacy concerns, but they are looking into different “portal models” that will help parents get information about IUP and what’s going on or, with a student’s permission, more specific information.

They are also using some electronic solutions such as the Just in Case app.

When asked about possible ideas for problems transfer students may be experiencing, Norwood said they were aware that they needed to do more but

didn’t know what to do.

“So, if you’re a transfer student, come talk to us,” Norwood said.

Other things handled at the meeting included graduating senior Jordan Dean (hospitality management) outlining his plan to convert unused spaces around campus into “serenity rooms” to help reduce stress on campus.

Dean had previously converted old computer labs at the Washington School of Nursing into “serenity rooms.” He said that post-implementation, retention rose to 91 percent.

Dean was directed to go and speak with the Office of Housing, Residential Living and Dining for further information about the process of possible implementation.

Adrianna Branin (political science), senator for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said that discussions on plus/minus grading system have been tabled until next semester.

And Sustainability Sen. Tyler Menichiello (biology) was selected as senator of the month.

The American Association of Men in Nursing, a club to “provide framework of factors that affect men in nursing,” was approved as an official campus organization.

The American Philanthropic Organization, which is focused on providing help to veterans, was also approved. The organization was previously the Military Philanthropic Organization but left campus to expand and become a national organization.

And finally, the Students Advancing Small Business Club was also approved after failing to meet approval last year. The club will help connect entrepreneurially minded students with possible investors as well as provide other forms of guidance.

OPINION

Is Hulu giving Netflix a run for its money?

We could easily sum this up by saying “yes” and skip off for tea and scones, but this needs to be broken down more than a Cadillac S90 on a freeway.

With the summer quickly approaching, students will spend many late nights dedicating countless hours on catching up with shows and movies, with two major streaming services providing the entertainment.

Hulu was founded in 2007, 10 years after its predecessor, Netflix, but it hasn’t really claimed dominance as the best streaming resource. Or has it?

In a world where bingewatching could be considered an Olympic sport, since so many people take part, TV shows have been in high demand rather than movies. We aren’t sure why, but if we had to wager a guess, it would be due to the adrenaline rush viewers get after completing

(Pixabay) Netflix doesn’t always offer what viewers want. Many are flocking to Hulu exclusively.

six seasons in a day.

Or it could be the ease of accessibility for viewers along with affordable rates and perks.

Hulu has taken the initiative of providing college students with a deal that would combine the viewing aspect of TV while incorporating Spotify Premium, all for the low price of $5.

Compared to Netflix’s $12/ month for the “Standard” package (keep in mind, this isn’t the

“basic” package, which is only $8). This was formerly $10, but with the corporate suits bathing in your paycheck, it raised the prices in December 2018.

Hulu also allows shows from major television networks, excluding CBS and The CW, which, if you think about it, gives viewers more bang for their buck.

Not to mention, Netflix got rid of its most watched shows in “Blue Mountain State,” “Orange

is the New Black” and “Supernatural.” It has shifted its focus on B-rated films which would have went straight to Walmart if we lived in 2004.

Hulu has capitalized on the market and has listened to what people want out of a streaming service. It added hot shows such as “Letterkenny,” “Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares” and “Dr. Pimple Popper,” while also adding Hulu exclusives (“Ramy” and “The Act”) to give an eclectic blend of new and popular options.

Let’s broaden the picture a bit more: say McDonald’s is offering a 2-for-1 deal which includes a Big Mac, fries, drink and two McChickens for $5 (Hulu), compared to Arby’s, which is offering only a Classic Beef N’ Cheddar combo for $8 (Netflix). Which would you pick?

McDonald’s, obviously, since

it is lowering prices for more benefits.

Looking on it now, Hulu viewers benefit more since it has something that can appeal to anyone, and it is cost efficient.

There is hardly a time where one will search something on Hulu and not get a result, whereas Netflix seems to carry movies and shows that may sound interesting but leaves viewers questioning the meaning of existence each time they click on it… unless you’re watching “The Office” for the 60th time, which if you think about it, is the only formidable program on Netflix.

So if you want a streaming service that is dependable and affordable, Hulu is the option for you.

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(Chandler Bouton) “Joe Biden announced his 2020 presidential bid after months of unwarranted anticipation.”

Opinion

April 26, 2019

7

Culture

Culture Editor: Steven Langdon Jr. – S.Langdon@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Heather Bair – H.Bair@iup.edu

(Danielle DiAmico/ The Penn) Mike Corona (Senior, Communications Media and STATIC Music Chair) emceed IUP Family Feud on April 24 in the Hadley Union Building (HUB) Ohio Room. The IUP Family Feud was hosted by STATIC (The Student Activity Committee).

Survey says, IUP Family Feud has successful turnout ANNA MECHLING Staff Writer A.Mechling@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Students gathered in teams of five Wednesday in the Hadley Union Building (HUB) Ohio Room for a night of fun and chances to win cash prizes.

STATIC (The Student Activity Committee) hosted Family Feud, the second game show in STATIC’s lineup for the semester.

It was STATIC’s first time hosting Family Feud, and the group made sure it was as close to the original TV game show as possible. It had the popular show’s same buzzing sounds, screen and overall format.

Ten teams played five rounds.

Every round except the final (fifth) round involved teams of five that either pre-registered before the event or registered at the doors.

Because there were so many teams that registered and limited time and prizes, STATIC members chose the 10 teams and the final round’s

8

individual players randomly.

The event mirrored the game show in that the first person to buzz in and get an answer correct on the board went on to the Fast Money Round.

STATIC members made sure they utilized the limited time they were given and instead of having multiple rounds per two teams, the team to win went on to the Fast Money round and could win $500 in total.

“I think it went really well, and the set looks amazing,” Taylor Valente (junior, psychology) said.

“It’s the first time STATIC is hosting Family Feud, and it’s a great turnout.”

The winning team went on to play the Fast Money Round in which two players from the team of five tried to find the top answers to the five survey questions asked.

The questions were IUP-specific and were surveyed from IUP students.

Some of the questions in the first face-off round included questions like “Name something students do to avoid doing a paper” and “Name a reason why IUP

April 26, 2019

students would skip class.”

The teams received $1 for every point that they got in the Fast Money Round, and it was split amongst each of the five team members. A few teams got more than 200 points, resulting in a win for the Fast Money Round and were able to receive the maximum grand prize of $500, $100 per individual.

Even the losing teams were awarded compensation for participation with each member receiving a Sheetz gift card.

“Although my team didn’t win and go to the Fast Money Round, we were still rewarded with a $5 Sheetz card,” Alina Withers (junior, criminology/pre-law) said.

“I thought it was a really fun event, and I had fun with my team.”

STATIC passed out tickets at the front doors. On top of the cash prize for Family Feud, in between rounds and getting people their money or Sheetz gift cards, STATIC had raffle baskets as prizes.

Some students came to the

event in hope of playing Family Feud, while others came to cheer on participants.

“I kind of wanted to get out of my room and take a break from studying and see the game show,” Britney Polaski (freshman, criminology) said. “I wanted to potentially meet new people, too.”

The audience was interactive with participation with clapping and cheering toward fellow students.

“I grew up with game shows, and I suggested it,” said Mike Corona (junior, communications media), STATIC music chair and Family Feud presenter). “STATIC’s executive board came up with the idea collectively, and we figured Family Feud would be more popular to the students.

“I thought it went very well but that the transitions could have been smoother. That’s what can be learned and improved from this first time run, but I thought it went well and the turnout was very good.”

Culture

April 26, 2019

Culture

9

IUP expecting busy weekend filled with events HEATHER BAIR

Lead Culture Writer H.Bair@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

With the end of the academic year nearing, IUP is hosting plenty of events to keep students entertained before finals week.

Starting off the events is IUP’s Ninth Annual Lavender Graduation ceremony Friday, April 26. The ceremony recognizes students who are members of the LGBT community and their accomplishments.

This year’s ceremony will be held in Elkin Hall’s Center for Multicultural Student Leadership and Engagement (MCSLE) Great Room at 3:30 p.m. Students can have a graduation cord in the shade of lavender for their graduation ceremonies.

Students can request the lavender cord by emailing tcogar@iup.edu or by filling out a request form through Crimson Connect.

Friday night, IUP’s Theater-bythe-Grove will be presenting the hit Broadway musical, “Pippin,” about a young prince trying to find adventure who forms an unlikely alliance with a group of travelers.

The musical follows the misfit group as Pippin goes on a magical journey to be extraordinary. The journey seems a bit too dreamlike, and Pippin questions what is real and what is imaginary.

The performance is Friday, April 26, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Waller Hall Mainstage in the IUP Performing Arts Center.

Tickets for “Pippin” are available at the Lively Arts Ticket Office in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center or by calling the office at 724-357-1313. Ticket prices are $12 for students who show their I-Cards, military personnel and children 18 and under. Seniors (60+) pay $15, and regular attendees pay $18.

“Pippin” will also be showing Saturday and Sunday at the same time and location as Friday.

STATIC (The Student Activity Committee) is hosting a cookout Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. on the Hadley Union Building (HUB) front patio.

This is the 32nd Annual Endof-the-Year cookout that STATIC hosts for all members of the IUP campus community.

The event is completely free and will have food such as hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and

(Jess Truby/ The Penn) Students are in favor of classes outside, while professors say it could be a distraction for students.

With warm weather outside, should classes be, too?

ANNA MECHLING Staff Writer A.Mechling@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

(STATIC Website) IUP’s Lively Arts will host “Pippin” in the Waller Hall Mainstage throughout the weekend (top).

STATIC (The Student Activity Committee) will host the 32nd Annual End-of-the-Year Cookout Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (bottom).

funnel cake and games like cornhole, baseball, basketball, Double Dutch and STATIC pong. Activities like tie-dyeing T-shirts, Henna art and caricatures along with rides like an obstacle course and a mechanical bull will be offered.

Music and more will also be in abundance the entire time. For more information, students can visit the IUP STATIC website or Twitter page.

On Sunday, the Lively Arts will be hosting “IUP Bands and U,” the final concert of the season.

The Symphony Band, under the

direction of Jason Worzbyt, and the Wind Ensemble, directed by Timothy A. Paul, will be performing works by Stamp, Yurko and Holmquist.

Guest conductor Ray Cramer, emeritus professor from Indiana University, will also be presenting chamber and full-band works with the bands.

The event is in Fisher Auditorium from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $6 for students with an I-Card, military and 18 and under. Seniors (60+) are $8, and regular attendees are $10.

As the semester gets closer to the end, students and professors are counting down the days until summer vacation is here; however, there are still a few more class sessions before finals arrive, and professors are cramming in what’s left of the material to discuss.

Some professors take in the spring air and the warm weather and bring their classes outside.

It allows for a different teaching environment for both the professor and the students but can be a beneficial change for both.

A lot of students wish they would be outside more since they spend most of their time inside the classroom. Some students wish to change up the scene and try a different environment to learn in.

“I think holding classes outside as the weather gets nicer increases students’ moods, their willingness to learn and their overall health,” Anita Morrison (junior, early childhood/special education) said. “As a future teacher, I would hold classes outside for my students.”

Although a lot of students wish that their professors would hold a few classes outside, many

professors don’t end up doing so for various reasons, including distractions, excessive heat and inconvenience.

“I think professors should have more outdoor classes as the weather gets warmer,” Michael Soto (sophomore, computer science) said. “I think it helps calm and relax students’ moods.”

Some professors change up the learning environment and soak up the sunny weather along with their students. Most professors like the idea, but it isn’t practical for their courses, especially if they rely on technology like projectors or computers.

“If it were possible, I wouldn’t mind having a few classes outside for a change of pace in the sunshine and the warmer weather,” journalism and public relations professor Randy Jesick said.

“However, in the 40 years I’ve been in the classroom, I don’t think I’ve had a class outside.”

Other professors don’t believe it’s beneficial at all, claiming it’s both distracting and not a good idea for the students and the professor.

“I’d prefer not to teach outside because I find it distracting,” political science professor Rachel Sternfeld said. “Students aren’t getting what they paid for and aren’t learning as much.”

10

April 26, 2019

Culture

New name, same old sound for MARINA’s new album LEVI DONALDSON

Staff Writer L.Donaldson@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

(Facebook) Social Club Misfits released “MOOD.” April 5.

Social Club Misfits have good “MOOD.” on new EP LEVI DONALDSON

Staff Writer L.Donaldson@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

This article contains opinion.

Florida hip-hop duo Social Club Misfits fixed the problems with their most recent project April 5 and came out with “MOOD.,” an upbeat EP that experiments with their sound.

Their last project, the “Into The Night” album, didn’t really hit its mark. The album was bloated with what felt like a lot of filler tracks and weak attempts at a more serious tone.

Social Club Misfits return to form with “MOOD.” and keep it to a tight five songs.

Each track retains the humor and energy that makes the band unique and interesting while also incorporating important elements of their lives.

The introduction track, “Everytime,” has unique production and lyrics that serve as a criticism of hiphop culture clichés. The duo also talks about dead friends and what they want their lives to be. The motivation of honoring these friends and struggling with personal faiths serve as the core of the opener.

This song, like a lot of their music, is complemented by each other. Martin Lorenzo Santiago (Marty) does the hook and carries a lot of the lyrics, while Fernando Miranda (F.E.R.N.) deeper voice and verse serve as a good contrast. Despite the somewhat heavy

subject matter, the song remains light and listenable and is accompanied by a music video.

The second track, “Que Lo Que,” takes a turn to a Latin American-influenced track that includes some upbeat background vocals and a fresh sound, as well as a Kanye reference and a Spanish verse from F.E.R.N. that shows the band’s versatility.

The third and middle song on the “MOOD.” EP, “Up,” swings in with a new energy and an entertaining verse based on classic films that reference Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock. The theme of this song is how the duo is trying to be on the come up and return from their weaker projects. “Up” also features some fun beat drops and pitch shifts that serve to make it a varied track.

This segues into “Chinatown Freestyle,” a song that splits between anecdotal storytelling and the pair clowning on hate and generally having fun with music.

The EP ends with “So Our God Came To Us,” which starts out slow and has a mumbled and generic chorus. However, apart from the chorus, the heavy beats and fun scream effects cause it to serve as strong finish despite its weak spots.

Overall, the EP is a refreshing and summery project that delivers on the good time its pug-featuring cover promises. While it isn’t super ambitious, “MOOD.” has a personality to it, and every track on it distinguishes itself from the rest without any weak songs.

English pop artist Marina and the Diamonds returns with her fourth studio album.

She goes solely by the name MARINA now and comes back with an ambitious double album “Love + Fear.” Despite being a full project, she wants them to be taken as both separate and whole. She surprise released the first half, “LOVE," in preparation for the full project.

Her reinvention can be decisive for her fans, myself included.

The single and music video “Orange Trees” came out the gate to debut her aggressively generic new take on pop music. With previous projects such as “Electra Heart,” MARINA invented a popstar persona to create an interesting satire and commentary on the genre’s cliches and messages.

The character of “Electra Heart” had a style and personality and garnered her a lot of attention.

This very meta take on the genre that MARINA is somewhat known for caused myself and the friends I watched “Orange Trees” with to think its generic nature was a deep cut commentary. However, it seems as if MARINA’s new sound is more upbeat and cliched.

The music video for “Orange Trees” seems like a travel agency advertisement and features lyrics about having fun on the beach.

While “Orange Trees” is easily the most generic track on the project, “LOVE” is burdened by this new sound and new blandness.

It lacks the punch and the teeth of her previous projects and is generally somewhat boring. Even the more fun tracks like “Baby,” which features Luis Fonsi and Clean Bandit, don’t stand up lyrically to her previous work. And even “Baby” specifically is weighed down with its featured artists, though it is an interesting reach to new audiences and demographics.

An upside to the project is the

(Facebook) MARINA released the first half of her new album “Love + Fear” April 4. The full album was released Friday.

positive messages MARINA tries to spread with “LOVE.” Especially with a track like “Enjoy Your Life,” which kind of addresses the more nihilistic themes of the project with positivity.

The philosophy of MARINA’s existentialism is really interesting thematically on songs like “Handmade Heaven” and especially on “To Be Human,” which is easily my favorite track on the album.

Even this intriguing and creative theme for a pop album to tackle is distracted by a boring sound

and a split focus of what MARINA is going for with “LOVE.” The moral complexity of “To Be Human” makes it stand out like a diamond in the rough, and placing second to last behind the thematic conclusion of “End of the Earth” was good placement to end on a decently strong note.

I am curious and interested as both a music fan and a MARINA fan to see where “Love + Fear” goes and how it recontextualizes “LOVE,” though I am reluctantly pessimistic.

Culture

April 26, 2019

11

Sports

Sports Editor: Elliot Hicks – E.Hicks@iup.edu Lead Sports Writer: Brad O’Hara – B.L.Ohara@iup.edu

(IUP Athletics) The IUP lacrosse team clinched a berth in the 2019 PSAC tournament with a victory against Seton Hill.

Lacrosse clinches PSAC tournament berth in Seton Hill OT win BRAD O’HARA

Lead Sports Writer B.L.Ohara@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

“Playoffs, we’re talking about playoffs?” You bet.

IUP lacrosse clinched its spot in the PSAC tournament and barely kept its winning streak alive with an overtime win against Seton Hill, 14-13.

Coming into Wednesday’s game, Seton Hill and IUP were both battling for position in the upper part of the PSAC standings.

Seton Hill had the same conference record as the Crimson Hawks and was also riding a wave of momentum. After having a rough start to the season, the Griffins won six of

12

their last seven games.

IUP scored the first three goals of the game and took an early lead.

Two of the three goals came from Ally Burrows (senior, biology).

The Crimson Hawk defense built off the offensive success and held Seton Hill scoreless for the first seven minutes of the game. At that point, the Griffins fought to get the momentum back on their side.

Seton Hill scored two goals in 83 seconds to cut the lead to one. Unwilling to let the Griffins back in the game, IUP quickly shut down the Seton Hill offense and got its own up and running.

Over the next 16 minutes, the Crimson Hawks scored three unanswered goals and extended their

lead to four goals. However, IUP let down its guard and attempted to coast to halftime as Seton Hill worked its way back in the game.

In the last five minutes, the Griffins outscored IUP 4-1 and brought the game within one after a goal with three seconds left in the half.

The Crimson Hawks went into the half up 7-6.

With the momentum in favor of Seton Hill, they outscored IUP 5-1 in the first 12 minutes of the second half, giving the Griffins their first lead of the game.

Now down by three, the Crimson Hawks saw the game slipping from them and immediately jumped into action. IUP bounced back, scoring five unanswered goals in less than

April 26, 2019

10 minutes to regain a two-goal lead.

With slightly under four minutes remaining, Seton Hill started its last-ditch effort. With 3:52 left in the game, the Griffins scored and brought the lead within one. Following that, the IUP defense was unable to keep Seton Hill from tying it up as the Griffins scored again with 12 seconds left in the game to send it into overtime.

Fired up from letting the lead slip away in regulation, IUP quickly got to work in overtime. After controlling the opening draw, it took the Crimson Hawks only a little over a minute before Burrows scored the game-winning goal.

“The biggest factor for our team

when it comes to the offensive success is executing the game plan and rising to the occasion based off our motions,” Mollie Gallagher (senior, early childhood development and special education) said.

“Working for one another is our goal. Communicating is key and what keeps us together as a unit.

“When someone falls, we pick one another up. Fighting for every ground ball, causing turn overs and getting the ball to our attack to score.”

IUP will now return home for its final regular season game and Senior Day. The Crimson Hawks will take on the the top PSAC team in No. 7-ranked West Chester at 1 p.m. Saturday at Miller Stadium.

Sports

April 26, 2019

Sports

13

Game seven overtimes conclude upset-filled first round TYLER COMO

Staff Writer T.D.Como@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

In round two, we are halfway to watching two teams battle it out in the Stanley Cup Finals.

There’s been only one round, but with three of the series forced to game seven and a multitude of overtime games, it seems finishing a game during regulation is more of an oddity than going into extra minutes.

The next team to follow those who have already clinched into the second round are the Dallas Stars.

Monday night was their chance get the fourth win at home and not have to worry about a game seven in “Smashville.”

Nashville was the first to score a little more than six minutes into the first. P.K. Subban fired a shot outside the faceoff circle, and Ben Bishop stopped the original shot, unable to handle the puck in his glove. The rebound landed perfectly in front for Austin Watson to slam the puck into the back of the net.

The Predators seemed to be getting all the chances.

But then a lucky 3-on-1 for Dallas proved to be prosperous. After one of Nashville’s defesemen got caught below the blue line and after missing the puck, Radek Faksa got a nice poke check to push the puck up ice.

He and two other line mates were charging lone defensemen Ekholm and goaltender Rinne at high speeds. Faksa passed it off to Blake Comeau, getting the shot off to make the game even at one.

There were plenty of lucky saves and even luckier shots off the post, but this game headed to overtime (OT). John Klinberg scored the game winner for Dallas.

This was the Stars’ first series win in 11 years. They take on the St. Louis Blues in round two, which began Thursday night in St. Louis.

In the East, no offense to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it seems like the only way they can make it into the second round is if they don’t

(TNS) The Carolina Hurricanes eliminated the Washington Capitals in seven games.

play Boston in the first.

In that series’ game 7, Joakim Nordstrom managed to sneak the puck between a sliver of an opening, between Frederik Andersen’s glove and his left pad, to put them up a goal. The Bruins forced a costly turnover right behind the Leafs’ netminder. Jake Gardiner whiffed on a crap pass to get the puck up ice, which led to another goal for Boston, 2-0 Bruins.

John Tavares found the open area to slip one past Tuukka Rask, being the only goal they score the whole game. The Maple Leafs held in for a while, making timely saves, getting plenty of opportunities, but they couldn’t get another tally on the board.

Sean Kuraly scored the third goal, which wasn’t a season ending goal, but the Leafs had to get their second goal to stay in this.

Boston would go on to score two empty netters to finalize the score and place their spot in the second round. It was the second consecutive year in which Boston beat Toronto in game seven to advance to round two.

Boston is now faced with the giant-slaying Columbus Blue Jackets starting Thursday night at home.

Moving to Sin City, after making it to the Cup Final last year, the Golden Knights were hopeful to do it again. But their first-round playoff opponent saw to it that it wouldn’t happen. The San Jose Sharks came back in an immensely exciting way. They were down 3-1 in the series and managed to force a game seven. Not only that, but they managed to come back from being down 3-0 in game seven and force it into extra time.

The Knights were up 3-0 going into the third period, then the Sharks struck gold.

Cody Eakin was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for cross-checking Joe Pavelski, a controversial call that changed the fate of the game. The Sharks went on to score four power play goals in the span of those five minutes.

Jonathan Marchessault scored the tying goal for Vegas to send it into OT. But San Jose’s Barclay Goodrow was coming in hot and got the puck to wrap around Fleury’s

right pad to score the game-winning goal. The Sharks never gave up and persevered to show they were playoff ready.

Their next matchup is against the Colorado Avalanche Friday night in the “shark tank” that is the SAP Center.

The final game of round one was a faceoff between the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Washington Capitals, and the underdog looking to de-throne them, the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Capitals took the lead in the first and wound up leading 2-0 going into the second. Washington dominated the first period, but just like it was in the regular season, you shouldn’t count these jerks out until it’s over.

Carolina’s first goal came from shorthanded specialist Sebastian Aho. After calling for the puck at mid-ice, he took a shot that bounced toward his favor and got his own rebound to score. They were down by one, but very much still in the game.

The way the Canes get goals is astonishing. It looks as if they just

turn toward the goal and fire, which seems to be working.

Teuvo Teravainen brought the Hurricanes’ deficit back to one, trailing 2-3. Then Jordan Staal sniped one past the stick hand of Holtby to tie the game early in the third. The Hurricanes almost let one slip by when a puck snuck through Mrazek’s five hole but was saved at the last minute.

Through a scoreless OT, there came double overtime. Just like they had been doing, Canes Captain Justin Williams threw the puck towards net perfectly to Brock McGinn’s stick, as it ricocheted into the goal for the Canes to take the win in double OT. They’re off to face the New York Islanders in round two Friday night on Long Island.

Every team that placed first for their division was knocked out in the first round. Also, for the first time, the NHL is giving fans a second chance to predict the winner.

Make room for the new and young teams. They’re looking to quench their thirst from the cup of Lord Stanley.

14

April 26, 2019

Sports

Young stars, unexpected starts in MLB’s opening month JAKE SLEBODNICK

Production Manager J.C.Slebodnick@iup.edu @slebby24

This article contains opinion.

We are only one month into the 2019 regular season, and already, we are witnessing some interesting features on the diamond.

Predictions are being made as to who will make the postseason, historic events are taking place every day and the “Tales from the Injured List” cloud MLB’s season already.

Let’s take a look at what’s happened so far.

IR: A Yankees Drama Series Remember when we criticized the New York Yankees for, essentially, sweeping the free agent market this past winter? Well, maybe we are witnessing karma at its finest.

As of April 24, the Yankees have 13 main roster players residing on the injured list. A few names of note on this list are Giancarlo Stanton, Dellin Betances, Troy Tulowitzki, Aaron Judge and Luis Severino.

The positive side of this is that these players look to come back at the end of the month and early May to help the Yanks win.

Along with that, the Bronx

(TNS) Luis Severino is just one of many New York Yankees on the injured list.

Bombers are sitting comfortably at second in the American League (AL) East.

So with the depth and rookies being used, New York is still finding ways to win games.

The portion on the injured list look to reclaim dominance once they return and gain their 28th World Series title, writing a fantastic underdog story this season.

Unlikely Teams Top Standings Did we think that the Seattle Mariners would top the AL West?

Or that Minnesota would lead the AL Central? The New York Mets top of the National League (NL) East?

If you said “yes,” you’re lying.

We are witnessing a plethora of teams showing why they should play in October.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have

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(TNS) Cody Bellinger is hitting .416 thus far in 2019.

the second best ERA in baseball, sitting at a 2.97 ERA, after a slow offseason had fans expecting the resurrection of the tanks. But the Bucs have had a productive season so far, even having a period of time at No. 1 in the NL Central and fifth in the MLB Power Rankings. They are in the Wild Card hunt, already a half-game ahead of all other contenders.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are mirroring the success in the AL East, taking advantage of an injury-ridden Yankees club, a Red Sox team that is suffering the worst championship hangover in history and the Orioles and Blue Jays who may not see an above .500 season.

The NL West is under serious competition as the Los Angeles Dodgers are treading water with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres hot on their tail.

Arizona and San Diego sit just behind the Dodgers, which gives each of the three teams more incentive to win each day.

The St. Louis Cardinals are on a power surge in the NL Central as the addition of Paul Goldschmidt continues to bleed success. In a division that looked to be a one-team show with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cardinals, along with the Pirates, are making the toughest division in baseball more exciting.

Young stars contribute to the success of teams Austin Meadows is having an MVP-caliber season as he leads

the Rays with a .351 batting average and is tied with Brandon Lowe and Yandy Diaz in home runs with six each. Don’t let that overshadow the fact that eight of the starters are hitting more than .270 to begin the season.

Fernando Tatis Jr. has made his presence known with the Padres.

As the son of the power-hitting Fernando Tatis Sr., he inherited his father’s baseball talent as he’s hitting .301 with six home runs and 13 RBIs. He has been regarded by analysts as a top candidate for the NL Rookie of the Year.

Peter Alonso has become the Mets’ source of production this season. Being a late addition to the starting lineup, Alonso has claimed the starting spot at first base and has racked up eight home runs and 21 RBIs in his short time in the big leagues.

Cody Bellinger leads the MLB in batting average as a whole. Sitting at .416, Bellinger has become the Dodgers’ spark plug in their order, maybe the reason for leading the NL West.

Cole Tucker may be the Pirates’ platoon shortstop that they were looking for. Making his debut on April 20, Tucker ended the game in grand fashion as he hit a two-run home run to center field for his first Major League hit. He has been hot on the defensive side as well, showcasing a powerful arm and effective speed. We may see Tucker be a top-tier hitter and a main cause for another Buctober.

April 26, 2019

Sports

15

STAT STORIES

NBA stars look to carry momentum into second round ANDREW PIERSON Staff Writer A.W.Pierson@iup.edu @AndrewPierson23

This article contains opinion.

With more than half the field ready to tip off in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, we have seen some players who have come up big for their teams in the first round and will look to carry their momentum into their teams’ next matchups.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the playoffs’ leading scorer thus far was Damian Lillard of the Trailblazers.

The Trailblazers were able to

take out the Thunder in just five games behind a stellar performance from their star point guard.

Lillard is putting up 33 points per game (PPG) so far while managing to shoot more than 46 percent from the field so far.

He’s shooting better from 3-point land, where he is shooting more than 48 percent in the playoffs and, after Tuesday night’s game-winning 30-footer, is now 5-5 on shots more than 30 feet in this year’s playoffs.

The Blazers will play the winner of the Nuggets-Spurs series in the next round.

One of the favorites to win the

MVP is Giannis Antetokuonmpo, who led his Bucks to a four-game sweep of the Pistons in the first round. Antetokuonmpo was efficient as always in the series, putting up more than 26 PPG on more than 52 percent shooting while managing to grab 12 boards per game and block 1.5 shots per contest.

Before bashing his scoring output, fans need to realize

that Antetokuonmpo has played only 28 minutes per game in the first round because his team managed to out score the Pistons by more than 23 points per contest in the series.

The Bucks will have a tougher matchup in the second round against the Celtics who are getting hot at the right time.

On the other end of the MVP conversation sits James Harden of the Houston Rockets

who are one win away from advancing to the next round.

Harden’s stat line has been solid from a quantity perspective so far in the playoffs, putting up 28.3 PPG, 8.5 APG and 7 RPG. Although the quantity is there for Harden, he has been doing it in an ugly fashion shooting only 37.1 percent from the field while also giving away just shy of six turnovers per contest.

Harden will have to find a way to be more efficient next round with a tougher matchup on the way.

As the NBA playoffs roll on, it will be interesting to see how the stars propel their teams to greatness.

Exciting first round continues as series stretch on JEFF HART

Staff Writer J.R.Hart2@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Some basketball fans say that the NBA playoffs are too predictable.

But who cares about those fans?

The first round of the 2019 NBA playoffs have been thrilling.

There are still two series that are in full-swing right now.

The first series has been somewhat of a surprise. The Los Angeles Clippers have shocked the nation and the heavy championship favorite Golden State Warriors.

LA has clipped away at the Warriors, bringing the series to a game six. The Clippers surprisingly took a game one lead against the Warriors. Golden State quickly responded and took an expected 3-1 lead against LA. Wednesday, the Warriors had a chance to put away the Clippers and advance into the playoffs.

LA clearly did not get the memo as they took game five 129-121. The Clippers got contributions from multiple players, as three members of LA scored more than 20 points.

The Warriors have been heavy favorites to win the Finals this year; however, it seems that the road to getting there will not be easy.

Golden State would like to keep their playoff series to a minimum,

(TNS) The Golden State Warriors are in trouble in the first round.

because they realize playing multiple drawn-out series could adversely affect their championship hopes.

Meanwhile, the No. 2 seed in the West has had some struggle of their own in these playoffs. The Denver Nuggets really came together this season. Many had them making it as far as the Western Conference Finals.

Sadly, the Nuggets could not

have possibly gotten a worse firstround matchup. The San Antonio Spurs came into the playoffs with the seventh best record in the West. Most would be happy with a matchup against a low-ranked seventh seed; however, five-time champion coach Greg Popovich has had plenty of experience in the post-season.

The Spurs, led by Popovich, took an early game one lead against

Denver. The series has been a backand-forth affair between these two teams. Currently, the series sits at a 3-2 lead held by the Nuggets. The series has been too tight to tell who is going to come away.

Denver has one of the best centers in the league in Jokic and a solid guard tandem of Jamaal Murray and Gary Harris. Adversely, San Antonio has built their teams through superior scouting and player devel-

opment.

San Antonio’s success has come from a bevy of players. Derrick White has been a major contributor. White was a Division II prospect that the Spurs have groomed into a solid starting guard.

Two teams with two totally different approaches to gathering talent.

One extremely entertaining series.

One thing is certain, these NBA playoffs have been special so far.

April 26, 2019

16

Sports

(TNS) Tim Couch was the first overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft.

Couch looks back at his night as NFL draft’s No. 1 pick JOHN CLAY

Lexington HeraldLeader TNS

It has been 20 years since the kid from Hyden, Ky., became the No. 1 overall selection in the 1999 NFL draft.

And as the 2019 version began Thursday in Nashville, what does Tim Couch remember of that night two decades ago in New York?

“We actually signed the contract with the Browns in the men’s room there at Madison Square Garden,” Couch said Tuesday.

That’s one anecdote on what was a surreal evening for the former Kentucky quarterback, who had led the Wildcats to the Outback Bowl his junior season before being chosen first overall by the expansion Cleveland Browns.

“It all just happened so fast,” said Couch, who lives in Lexington with his wife and two sons, ages 13 and 10. “I felt like I had just gradu-

ated high school, really. It was just three short years. I only played two seasons at Kentucky. My freshman year I didn’t really get to play that much. It felt like it was really flying by and that moment was there.”

Arguably the most heralded recruit in UK football history, the former Leslie County star’s career took off when Hal Mumme was named the team’s head coach before the 1997 season. Immediately named the starter, Couch threw for 37 touchdowns as a sophomore.

The Cats improved to 8-4 in 1998 for their first New Year’s Day bowl game in a quarter century as Couch finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, won by Texas running back Ricky Williams.

“It was a very hard decision,” said Couch of his choice to enter the draft. “I really wanted to stay at Kentucky, to be honest with you, for my senior season. There were some things I wanted to accomplish with my team.”

All five of Couch’s offensive linemen, plus leading receiver Craig Yeast, were graduating, however.

After throwing for 4,275 yards with 36 touchdowns, Couch’s draft stock was not likely to be any higher if he returned for one more college season.

Leading up to the draft, however, the speculation about the No. 1 overall pick centered on three quarterbacks – Donovan McNabb of Syracuse, Akili Smith of Oregon and Couch. It wasn’t until the Browns came to Lexington for a private Couch workout that the scales tipped in his direction.

“I threw the ball really well that day,” Couch said. “I think that was the one that sealed the deal.”

With 1999 being the first season since the old Browns left for Baltimore in 1996, Cleveland did not want a holdout, however. Prior to the draft, team officials had been negotiating with Couch’s agent, Tom Condon. The parties involved

reached a deal the night before the first round, which is why Couch ended up signing the contract in the men’s room.

“Even though I kind of new what was going to happen,” he said, “it doesn’t seem real until the commissioner walks out there and calls your name and you walk on stage, shake his hand and get the jersey.

That’s when it really sets in and it’s a great moment for you.”

Alas, as an expansion team, the Browns struggled to put enough talent around their new quarterback. Coaching and front office changes didn’t help. The Browns did reach the playoffs in 2002, still their last appearance. A leg fracture kept him out of the wild-card game that year, however, and by 2003 the hits he had taken – a league-high 56 sacks his rookie season – took their toll.

“My only regret is the injuries,” said Couch, who underwent his first shoulder surgery with Green Bay

in 2004, and was out of the league soon after. “I’m really proud of being able to take that franchise, starting day one to (the playoffs) before the injuries started to set in.

It was just a really tough situation for a young quarterback and I look back at it now and it was really kind of a no-win situation.”

Couch returned to Cleveland last year as a broadcaster on the Browns’ preseason games, a role he will fill again this season. And he has nothing but fond memories of April 17, 1999, when his was the first name called.

“I got the opportunity to live out a dream of being a franchise quarterback in the NFL,” Couch said Tuesday.

“Be the No. 1 pick, lead an NFL team to a playoff, financially I did really well. All those things were great. I’m proud of what I accomplished, I just wish I could have done it over a longer period of time.”